Rescuers resume search for missing swimmer off Kauai

February 27, 2013 at 3:04 PM HST - Updated July 27 at 5:40 AM

Image: County of Kauai

LIHUE, KAUAI (HawaiiNewsNow) - Rescue personnel from the Kaua'i Fire Department, the U.S. Coast Guard and officers with the Kaua'i Police Department have resumed their search for a missing man in the area surrounding Ninini Beach Thursday morning.

The air, land and sea-based search began at around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday night when a local male did not return home after reportedly exercising near Ninini Beach earlier that day. He was last heard from at around noon Tuesday and may have been swimming at the time of his disappearance.

The man's identity has not been officially released, but Hawaii News Now has confirmed he is 55-year-old Scott Akina.

The Coast Guard responded Tuesday night with two vessels and a helicopter, which continued an aerial search throughout the night.

A full team of rescuers resumed the effort at first light Wednesday, and Kaua'i police are supporting the rescue effort with officers conducting a land-based search along the shoreline from Ahukini to Nāwiliwili.

According to the National Weather Service, a high surf advisory continues through 6 p.m. Wednesday for all east facing shores with strong tradewinds expected to create rough surf and large breaking waves along the shoreline.

Officials urge all beachgoers to swim within seeing distance of a lifeguard tower and when in doubt, don't go out.